LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS

The number of local, state, and federal laws rules and regulations for the six major areas of injury control discussed are so extensive that they are well beyond the scope of this book. However, if an individual is interested in a specific topic within one of the given areas such as electrical safety, he or she should contact the local government and find out the necessary rules for the installation or upgrading of electrical services. If the individual is interested in a specific portion of transportation, then he or she should contact the local, state, and federal transportation authorities and request the information.

RESOURCES

• 1. The CDC Injury Fact Book from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, November 2006 is a comprehensive view of the injury problem in the United States and how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is trying to develop research and prevention programs for all types of injuries. (See endnote 30.)
• 2. The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC, Atlanta, Georgia, has a mission to prevent and control injuries and violence and to reduce their consequences to reduce the public health burden to society. It leads injury research through interdisciplinary means by improved data collection and analysis, information sharing, and developing relationships with the various states to analyze their problems, and try to come up with appropriate programs. The Center is the focal point for the public health approach to utilizing the latest science by helping determine logical and reasonable approaches for programmatic activities, better known as Best Practices. They also provide funding and technical assistance to the states.
• 3. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission can provide information on a variety of products which may be used to prevent potential injuries.
• 4. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) can provide information and assistance on occupational injuries.
• 5. The American Association of Poison Control Centers is available on a 24-hour basis to assist individuals with necessary information in the event of a poisoning.
• 6. OSHA provides various programs, both mandatory and voluntary, to help industries improve their workers’ health and safety while increasing their own profits. These results are achieved through the “Injury and Illness Prevention Programs” established by OSHA. (See endnote 20.)
• 7. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency that conducts scientific research and makes recommendations to determine causes of worker injury and illness and techniques for prevention and control. NIOSH provides practical solutions to identified problems. It provides large amounts of highly specific information for a series of potential hazards through its A-Z index. The Institute works with people inside and outside of government and supports the training of occupational health and safety professionals. By moving research into practice, it not only provides for a safe and healthy environment for workers but also adds substantially to the economy of the United States.
• 8. The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. It has national sector agendas in major areas of the occupational environment including: agriculture, forestry, and fishing; construction; healthcare and social assistance; manufacturing; oil and gas extraction; public safety; services; transportation; warehousing and utilities; and the wholesale and retail trade. (See endnote 27.)